The Thomas Jefferson Hour
By The Thomas Jefferson Hour
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Description
The Thomas Jefferson Hour features conversations with Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, as portrayed by the award-winning humanities scholar and author, Clay Jenkinson. The weekly discussion features Mr. Jefferson’s views on events of his time, contemporary issues facing America and answers to questions submitted by his many listeners. To ask President Jefferson a question, visit our website at jeffersonhour.com
Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
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1 |
Clean#1325 Pax Americana | We answer listener questions this week, and we identify a specific melon seed that Pat Brodowski, the head gardener at Monticello, mentioned on a past episode. We also discuss Clay’s new ukulele. The most mail we received was about Robert Kagan's... | 2/12/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
2 |
Clean#1324 Lochsa | "nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free." — Thomas Jefferson, 1821 Clay Jenkinson returns from his cultural retreat held at Lochsa Lodge in Idaho last week and reports in on this year's... | 2/5/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
3 |
Clean#1323 The Only Security of All Is in a Free Press | "were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." — Thomas Jefferson, 1787 This week we discuss the importance of a free... | 1/29/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
4 |
Clean#1322 Roosevelt and Jefferson | "Few people grow in office; few people grow in life. Roosevelt grew in life. He became more interesting, more sensitive, more thoughtful ... [Roosevelt] became more enlightened as time went on." — Clay S. Jenkinson Prompted by a listener request,... | 1/22/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
5 |
CleanGovernment Shutdowns | "There must be a better way for the political factions of your time to sort out their differences." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining... | 1/18/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
6 |
Clean#1321 January First | January 1st was an important day to Thomas Jefferson for many reasons. This week, we speak with President Jefferson about notable New Year's Day occurrences during his life, including his wedding, his famous "wall of separation between church and... | 1/15/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
7 |
Clean#1320 Looking Forward | "It's going to be a pivotal year in American history." - Clay S. Jenkinson We look forward to 2019 and discuss some of the episode topics that have been suggested to us by the Fans of the Thomas Jefferson Hour group on Facebook. Find this episode,... | 1/8/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
8 |
Clean#1319 Looking Back | "I really loved the year 2018, but I'm even more looking forward to the year 2019." — Clay S. Jenkinson We look back at 2018 and wish everyone a happy New Year. This episode is our chance to revisit all of the great conversations we've had about... | 1/1/2019 | Free | View in iTunes |
9 |
Clean#1318 Was Thomas Jefferson a Christian? | "I believe so strongly that Jefferson was right about separation of church and state." — Clay S. Jenkinson We wish all a Merry Christmas from The Thomas Jefferson Hour, which, as it turns out, is perhaps more than Thomas Jefferson would... | 12/25/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
10 |
CleanEdmond-Charles Genêt | "We couldn't allow a French national to be here, stirring up anti-administration feeling in this country, or fitting out privateers in our wars." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended... | 12/21/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
11 |
Clean#1317 Madison's Letters | "Jefferson yielded to Madison's stronger concern. He needed him and he trusted him." — Clay S. Jenkinson Clay and David discuss a number of letters between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that reveal their working relationship, their friendship,... | 12/18/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
12 |
CleanLiberal Education | "You can have all the information in the world, but it doesn't mean anything unless you have a mental matrix with which to absorb it, evaluate it, analyze it, begin to synthesize it. That's why we go to college." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying... | 12/14/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
13 |
Clean#1316 James Madison (Part Two) | "to the press alone, checkered as it is with abuses, the world is indebted for all the triumphs which have been gained by reason and humanity over error and oppression." — James Madison We discuss James Madison again this week, President Jefferson's.. | 12/11/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
14 |
Clean#1315 James Madison (Part One) | "Mr. Madison made me look like a slacker.""Mr. Madison made me look like a slacker." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson President Thomas Jefferson speaks about his good friend and adviser James Madison. Together, Jefferson and Madison... | 12/4/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
15 |
CleanPoplar Forest | "All the rooms are octagonal or semi-octagonal, except the main dining room, which is a perfect cube." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining... | 11/30/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
16 |
Clean#1314 Our Friend Beau | "Whatever your politics are, to think that the country is being taken seriously by young men and women who want us to be a Jeffersonian republic is just such a gratifying thing to me." — Clay S. Jenkinson We greet a special visitor, our friend Beau... | 11/27/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
17 |
Clean#1313 Gratitude and Thanks | We wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving from the Thomas Jefferson Hour. This week, we speak to four friends including Lisa Suhay, who tells us about her new book America the Grateful; Pat Brodowski, the head gardener at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello;... | 11/20/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
18 |
Clean#1312 Elections Matter | "You have a population of 330 million. This is a way that the whole system is designed to distill their will." — Clay S. Jenkinson The results of the 2018 midterm elections are what we try to sort out this week: what it means, what it implies, and... | 11/13/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
19 |
CleanJamal Khashoggi | "We need to protest firmly without any ambiguity whatsoever." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 11/9/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
20 |
Clean#1311 Jefferson's Views | "This is a French school of economics and social thinking that I subscribed to, at least in part, that says that wealth comes from the soil" — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson President Jefferson answers listener questions about... | 11/6/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
21 |
CleanVoting | "Everyone in that public place would know which candidate he voted for." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 11/2/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
22 |
Clean#1310 Valley Forge with Bob Drury and Tom Clavin | "It's a very patriotic story in the best sense of the word … these were people who were fighting for a cause." — Tom Clavin Clay and David are joined by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, the #1 New York Times bestselling authors, to discuss their newest... | 10/30/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
23 |
CleanWater | "I would hope the states would handle that and the government of the United States would only serve as a referee." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show... | 10/26/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
24 |
Clean#1309 Water for a Dry Land with Char Miller | "Our technology that has unleashed such creativity has also unleashed the capacity for us to destroy the very things that we were creating." — Char Miller Clay and David speak with Char Miller, one of the three authors of the 3rd edition of... | 10/23/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
25 |
CleanAncient Rome's Influence | "If you study this, you'll know what can go wrong, and maybe you'll be able to prevent it" — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776... | 10/19/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
26 |
Clean#1308 American Dialogue with Joseph Ellis | "Indeed, if I read the founders right, their greatest legacy is the recognition that argument itself is the answer." — Joseph J. Ellis We welcome back Professor Joseph Ellis — the eminent historian, author and friend of the Jefferson Hour — to... | 10/16/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
27 |
CleanEmancipation | "I realized that this was so deeply rooted in the American social, economic, and political life, that it was going to take an extraordinary movement to rid ourselves of slavery." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode,... | 10/12/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
28 |
Clean#1307 Live in Pittsburg, KS | "You think I'm joking, but I wanted a square America." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson goes on the road this week to Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. The performance was taped live at the Bicknell... | 10/9/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
29 |
Clean#1306 Ossian | We speak with President Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) about reading - one of his favorite pastimes. We also talk about the teachers who inspired his lifelong habit of reading and Jefferson’s fascination with.. | 10/2/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
30 |
Clean#1305 Wine and Welshmen | "We should always listen to science. Science is not political. Science is rational." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson President Thomas Jefferson answers listener questions this week, including inquiries about Jefferson and wine, Welsh.. | 9/25/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
31 |
Clean#1304 To France | "This period was, in some ways, the most satisfying period of Jefferson's life, and in some ways it was the most radical." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, as promised, and in anticipation of Clay’s upcoming cultural tour of Jefferson’s France in... | 9/18/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
32 |
CleanOther Explorations of the West | "Down in the southwest, two expeditions occurred during my presidency." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 9/14/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
33 |
Clean#1303 Can We Talk? | "He saw a nation that collapsed right in front of him and he thought, 'well, I wonder why nations collapse,' and I think that really led to some great thinking." — Clay S. Jenkinson We respond to listener mail this week, including questions related... | 9/11/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
34 |
CleanHonoring John McCain | "A statesman is one who always asks what is best for this country." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 9/7/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
35 |
Clean#1302 Alarm Poll | "I'm like everyone else, I'm in the middle. I see some benefits on both edges of the spectrum, but I don't want either of them to prevail." — Clay S. Jenkinson Clay asked listeners to rate, on a scale of 1 to 10, how alarmed they are about the... | 9/4/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
36 |
CleanHow to Handle Partisan Division | "I believe that each faction, each party, has a moral duty to reach over to the other and to try to find common ground, and that each party should take the lead in being civil and respectful and generous." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas... | 8/31/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
37 |
Clean#1301 Farewell Address | "George Washington ... was as close to a perfect human being as we believed existed on Earth." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson This week, we speak with President Jefferson about George Washington's farewell address which was first... | 8/28/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
38 |
CleanCivil Discourse | "I think the American people are overwhelmingly good and decent." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 8/24/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
39 |
Clean#1300 Better Arguments | "Can we talk? Can we try to argue about where we are and where we're going and use the founders as a source of wisdom that might allow us to have a safe place to meet and to talk about this with civility, but with fervor?" — Joseph J. Ellis Clay and.. | 8/21/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
40 |
CleanEnemy of the People | "Whatever's wrong with the press, we must defend it, because the alternative is tyranny." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776... | 8/17/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
41 |
Clean#1299 Jefferson's Mistakes | "He was part of the extension of slavery that made the Civil War inevitable, and that led to almost 800,000 deaths." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week President Thomas Jefferson speaks about the political mistakes he made. Find this episode, along with... | 8/14/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
42 |
CleanTraveling West | "I would have been able to produce an account of that tour — and I mean no self-aggrandizement in saying this, but just from the sheer discipline of writing every day at great length — would have been one of the classics of the literature of... | 8/10/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
43 |
Clean#1298 As Requested | "You have to wait 14 years under the naturalization law before you can become a full citizen of the United States. These were palpable violations of the Bill of Rights." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson We spend this week, as... | 8/7/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
44 |
Clean#1297 While You Were Away | "Voltaire at the end of Candide says, just go home and cultivate your garden." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we catch up on our mail bag and also speak with a couple of Thomas Jefferson Hour listeners. We're kind of all over the place on this... | 7/31/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
45 |
CleanDefending America in the World Arena | "The duty of the President of the United States is to be the principal articulator of America's values." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining... | 7/28/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
46 |
Clean#1296 Mil | "When you die, your legacy is the effect you've had on people, and boy did my mother have an effect on people." — Clay S. Jenkinson Clay Jenkinson speaks this week about the death of his mother, Mil, and discusses Jefferson’s thoughts and... | 7/24/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
47 |
CleanCartography | "I made a special devotion to collecting all of the maps that I could." — Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 7/20/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
48 |
Clean#1295 Too Né | "Too Né's data wound up in the journals and all of it is on the map, and the map deepens the journals, and the journals deepen the map." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week on the Thomas Jefferson Hour, we feature an extended conversation about the... | 7/17/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
49 |
CleanSupreme Court Appointments | "It is not a great privilege to name a Supreme Court justice." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 7/13/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
50 |
Clean#1294 Judicial Responsibility | "You want people who are moderates, who are not passionate zealots in any particular direction." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson Thomas Jefferson shares his thoughts about the workings of the Supreme Court, allows his personal... | 7/10/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
51 |
CleanThe Declaration of Independence | "I played a small role. I was just the penman of this thing." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 7/6/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
52 |
Clean#1293 4th of July | "Mythology begins to creep in, and as historians we like to question some of that." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week on our annual 4th of July show, Thomas Jefferson reads the Declaration of Independence in it’s entirety and speaks about one of his... | 7/3/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
53 |
Clean#1292 Common Sense | This week, we present another of our Jefferson Hour Book Club episodes and discuss Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 6/26/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
54 |
Clean#1291 Circumstances | "The debate in American history is not between Hamilton and Jefferson, the debate is between Adams and Jefferson." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we answer listener questions on the Thomas Jefferson Hour, including a letter from a writer who wonders.. | 6/19/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
55 |
Clean#1290 Adjustments | "He's a bit of a Tea Party guy, he's a bit of a libertarian, he's certainly for small government." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week's episode is devoted to answering listener questions, and many of the questions are about the current administration. We.. | 6/12/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
56 |
Clean#1289 Jefferson's Vision | "Lightly governed, lightly taxed, highly educated, isolationist, farmer's paradise." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, President Thomas Jefferson explains his own vision for America. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog.... | 6/5/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
57 |
Clean#1288 Truth Matters | "I think that an ideal citizen is a bit grumpy, is always concerned that government is up to no good." — Thomas Jefferson, Second Inaugural Address We begin our conversation with President Thomas Jefferson asking about the actual location of his... | 5/29/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
58 |
Clean#1287 The Hardest Job | "I don't think that it's very useful to compare the burden of the presidency of 1803 … with the burden of the presidency in your time." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson We talk with President Jefferson about an article written.. | 5/22/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
59 |
Clean#1286 First Family (Part Two) | “I’m just thinking of your career, here.” — Joseph Ellis We continue our conversation this week with the award-winning author Joseph Ellis, and we conclude our discussion about his book First Family: Abigail and John Adams as part of our first.. | 5/15/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
60 |
Clean#1285 First Family (Part One) | Joining our conversation this week is the award-winning author Joseph Ellis. We discuss his book First Family: Abigail and John Adams in part one of two shows as our first entry for the Thomas Jefferson Hour Book Club series. Find this episode, along... | 5/8/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
61 |
Clean#1284 Foreign Policy | "peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none" — Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address (March 4, 1801) This week on the Jefferson Hour, we talk with President Jefferson about his struggles with foreign... | 5/1/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
62 |
Clean#1283 The General Welfare | "I would never consider [the Constitution] to be a sacred text." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson We present President Thomas Jefferson with a listener question about what the phrase "promote the general welfare," found in the... | 4/24/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
63 |
Clean#1282 The Map | We answer listener questions in response to episode #1277 Gerrymandering, and then turn to a discussion about an important discovery of an 1805 Lewis & Clark related map. It was found after being stored for 200 years in a French archive. The map... | 4/17/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
64 |
Clean#1281 Unanswered Questions | "History is like a picture puzzle and half of the pieces or more are missing. There is something about Jefferson that makes us want to expose contradiction." — Clay S. Jenkinson Our show this week revolves around a question from listener Gino Cukale.. | 4/10/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
65 |
Clean#1280 Tomatoes | "That is one of the most fun things that I try to do, reacquaint people with the joyous flavor of the tomato that they crave." — Craig LeHoullier Inspired by a letter from Alison Hagan, we talk with three tomato experts: Craig LeHoullier, author of... | 4/3/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
66 |
Clean#1279 The Art of the Letter | "Every letter has a basis and a purpose … I spent an enormous amount of time thinking about the recipient." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson We speak this week with President Jefferson about the art of letter writing. Prompted.. | 3/27/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
67 |
Clean#1278 Adams, Bees and Guns | "I believe that we have the right to revolution." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson President Jefferson answers listener questions about his relationship with John Adams, replacing the Constitution once every generation, bees at... | 3/20/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
68 |
Clean#1277 Gerrymandering | "You could redistrict so that you could maximize competitiveness. That would be my suggestion: maximize competitiveness." — Clay S. Jenkinson On this week’s Thomas Jefferson Hour, we discuss gerrymandering, its origin, how it works in American... | 3/13/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
69 |
Clean#1276 Revolutionary Summer | "I feel an Awe upon my Mind, which is not easily described." — John Adams Clay and David discuss the book Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence, referred to as "a distinctive portrait of the crescendo moment in American history... | 3/6/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
70 |
Clean#1275 Joseph Ellis | "There's a perfect alignment between Jefferson's own contradictions and the rest of American history." — Joseph J. Ellis Clay speaks with Dr. Joseph J. Ellis, author of more than ten books, including American Sphinx, Passionate Sage, and... | 2/27/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
71 |
Clean#1274 The Classics | "You cannot understand the founding of this country without understanding the Founding Fathers’ obsession with classical languages and literature." — Clay S. Jenkinson Guest host Catherine Jenkinson has an extended conversation with President... | 2/20/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
72 |
Clean#1273 Three Friends | "I'm just thrilled to see that people can still have intelligent and thoughtful conversations and walk away still feeling friends." — Rick Kennerly We speak with three friends of the Jefferson Hour this week: Rick Kennerly, who talks tomatoes and... | 2/12/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
73 |
Clean#1272 Raleigh | Catherine Jenkinson returns as host this week for an extended conversation with President Jefferson about Sir Walter Raleigh. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours and... | 2/6/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
74 |
Clean#1271 Current Events | We speak with President Jefferson about current events including the government shutdown, philanthropy, and water shortages in Cape Town. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours... | 1/30/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
75 |
Clean#1270 Total Extirpation | "It really upsets me that Jefferson should be anti-canine, but there you are." — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we answer listener questions about Jefferson’s personality traits, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the State of Jefferson, the Hamilton Soundtrack,... | 1/22/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
76 |
Clean#1269 Mrs. Smith | Margaret Bayard Smith was a friend of Thomas Jefferson. Her writings provided the content for the book The First Forty Years of Washington Society which includes first hand accounts of her interactions with Jefferson. This week we speak with Mister... | 1/16/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
77 |
Clean#1268 Peaceful Transition | "Most revolutions end with the establishment of a dictatorship." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson We speak with President Jefferson this week about America’s tradition of the peaceful transfer of power from one administration... | 1/9/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
78 |
Clean#1267 Fiction or Non | "I had a canine appetite for reading." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, President Jefferson shares his views on reading fiction versus non-fiction and recommends works of fiction from his time. On this episode,... | 1/3/2018 | Free | View in iTunes |
79 |
Clean#1266 Looking Back at 2017 | This week on the Thomas Jefferson Hour, we look back at the conversations we had with President Jefferson and the many subjects we discussed during 2017. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Learn about Clay's upcoming... | 12/26/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
80 |
Clean#1265 Christmas 2017 | Special guest host Catherine Jenkinson speaks with President Jefferson about Christmas during Jefferson’s time. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Learn about Clay's upcoming cultural tours and humanities retreats... | 12/19/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
81 |
Clean#1264 Representation | "It's so hard for me to think that one citizen, for whatever reason, would commit such mayhem." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson President Jefferson answers listener questions this week. He is asked about District of Columbia... | 12/8/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
82 |
Clean#1263 Jefferson's Travels | "I saw the future of the American experiment in the West." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson Catherine Jenkinson returns to host a conversation with President Jefferson about his travels in France, Europe and the United States.... | 12/5/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
83 |
Clean#1262 The Final Years (Part Three) | "Two seraphs await me long shrouded in death; I will bear them your love on my last parting breath." — Thomas Jefferson, July 1826 We conclude our Jefferson 101 biographical series by discussing his final days at Monticello, his legacy, and the... | 11/28/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
84 |
Clean#1261 Jefferson's Table | "Literally everyone in Washington, D.C. wanted invitations to my White House dinners." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson Catherine Jenkinson returns as guest host this week to speak with President Jefferson about all things food... | 11/21/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
85 |
Clean#1260 The Final Years (Part Two) | "at best it is but the life of a mill-horse, who sees no end to his circle but in death. to such a life that of a cabbage is paradise." — Thomas Jefferson, 27 June 1822 This week, we return with part two of the last three shows of the Jefferson 101... | 11/14/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
86 |
Clean#1259 The Final Years (Part One) | "The last years of his life were increasingly characterized by debt and disillusionment." — Clay We return to Jefferson 101 with part one of the final three shows of the Jefferson biography series to discuss Jefferson’s years in retirement at... | 11/7/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
87 |
Clean#1258 Dissent is Essential | Anything that is non-violent is an acceptable form of protest in a Republic." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson President Jefferson shares his view on what he calls an essential need for citizens to speak out about issues they... | 10/31/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
88 |
Clean#1257 Down from the Mountain | "Jefferson was a gentleman. Mountains weren't climbed in his time." — Clay This week, we speak with Clay about his recent mountain climbing experience and answer listener questions. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the... | 10/24/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
89 |
Clean#1256 Last Refuge | "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." — Samuel Johnson We speak with President Thomas Jefferson about patriotism and Jefferson’s concept of what it is to be truly free. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog.... | 10/17/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
90 |
Clean#1255 Show Mister Jefferson | Prompted by a listener letter, Clay answers the question, “If Thomas Jefferson appeared before you today, what would you want to show him from our time?” Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by... | 10/10/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
91 |
Clean#1254 Magic of the Word | "Nobody ever used the English language to greater effect than William Shakespeare." — Clay Clay discusses his new show, "Clay Jenkinson's Shakespeare the Magic of the Word" — which held its world premiere in Norfolk, VA in September — and shares.. | 10/3/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
92 |
Clean#1253 Second Term | "Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits of science by rendering them my supreme delight." — Thomas Jefferson We return to the Jefferson 101 biographical series and explore Jefferson’s second term as President. We discuss the many... | 9/26/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
93 |
Clean#1252 Mildness & Amenity | "I am more candid in your era than I ever would have been in mine." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we speak with President Jefferson about his hospitality and good manners. In her book, The First Forty Years of... | 9/19/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
94 |
Clean#1251 Checks & Balances | "If the three federal branches can't stop themselves from doing appalling things, a fourth entity exists, and that's the states." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson We discuss the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798, states' rights, and... | 9/12/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
95 |
Clean#1250 Totality | "How can you call yourself a Jeffersonian if you don't go see [the eclipse]?" — Clay Clay takes us on a road trip to Wyoming to witness the eclipse. Later in the episode, David Nicandri phones in to report on his experience. Find this episode, along.. | 9/6/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
96 |
Clean#1249 Amor Patriae | Responding to a flood of emails from listeners, this week an out-of-character program discussing the recent events at Charlottesville. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Thomas Jefferson is interpreted by Clay S.... | 8/29/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
97 |
Clean#1248 Private Thoughts | "I'm trying to explain to you and to your listeners what makes for a happy life." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson President Thomas Jefferson speaks about Monticello, his private and daily habits, his compulsiveness and how his... | 8/22/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
98 |
Clean#1247 On My Doorstep | "Of all of the people of this era, there is one and only one huge paradox, and it's Thomas Jefferson." — Clay S. Jenkinson Clay shares his first impressions of John B. Boles' new book, Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty. Find this episode,... | 8/14/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
99 |
Clean#1246 Special Places | "The bureaucracy can actually serve a really valuable purpose." — Beau Wright, Director of Operations at United to Protect Democracy In an out-of-character program, Clay reports on this year's Lewis & Clark cultural tour. Later, we're joined by... | 8/7/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
100 |
Clean#1245 This Thing of Darkness | “This thing of darkness, I acknowledge mine.” — Prospero, The Tempest This week Clay Jenkinson speaks about Thomas Jefferson and slavery. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Thomas Jefferson is... | 7/31/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
101 |
Clean#1244 A Free Nation | "The Founding Fathers intended a free nation in which you could choose your religion." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson After a short discussion about weather, President Jefferson addresses a question about his ownership of a... | 7/24/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
102 |
Clean#1243 Mister President | "Really? You don't think Jefferson has a geopolitical plan here?" — Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we return to the Jefferson 101 series and discuss Jefferson’s first term as President. In particular, we discuss the Barbary pirates, the Louisiana... | 7/18/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
103 |
Clean#1242 Inside the White House | "You can object to anybody's politics, but I firmly believe that you can't object to President Obama's character." — Beau Wright President Thomas Jefferson speaks about the White House — during his time and ours — with this week's special guest,.. | 7/11/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
104 |
Clean#1241 4th of July | We speak with President Jefferson this week in our annual 4th of July Show. Jefferson shares his thoughts on why the holiday is so important to Americans and recalls how it was celebrated during his time. We also speak to Gaye Wilson, the Shannon... | 7/3/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
105 |
Clean#1240 Becoming President | "I think that's what Jefferson's attitude was: 'I'd rather not, but I'm probably the best person to do it.'" — Clay We return to our Jefferson 101 series this week with an episode about Jefferson’s road to the White House. Over the past few... | 6/27/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
106 |
Clean#1239 Original Argument | "The question then became: Is a national bank constitutional? Did the Founding Fathers contemplate a national bank?" — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we discuss the argument between Alexander Hamilton and Jefferson... | 6/20/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
107 |
Clean#1238 Presidential Decorum | "I never like to be rude, but sometimes one has to set the precedent for a society that will shock the world." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson This week, we discuss diplomacy and presidential decorum. When the British... | 6/13/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
108 |
Clean#1237 More Listener Letters | "I was always happiest when I could direct the reading of a promising young man." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson Here at the Jefferson Hour, we love our listener mail. We try to answer as many letters as possible because they... | 6/6/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
109 |
Clean#1236 Listener Letters | "Those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever he had a chosen people, whose breasts he has made his peculiar deposit for substantial and genuine virtue. It is the focus in which he keeps alive that sacred fire, which otherwise... | 5/30/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
110 |
Clean#1235 American Character | "We have now a goodly field before us, & I have no wish superior to that of seeing it judiciously cultivated; that every Man, especially those who have labored to prepare it, may reap a fruitful Harvest” — George Washington, 1784 Nearly 50... | 5/23/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
111 |
Clean#1234 Jefferson's Talents | "[Thomas Jefferson] could calculate an eclipse, survey an estate, tie an artery, plan an edifice, try a cause, break a horse, dance a minuet, and play a violin." — James Parton, 1874 This week, we ask President Jefferson to confirm or deny these... | 5/16/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
112 |
Clean#1233 Neither Wolf nor Dog | "Somewhere in Jefferson, something happened where the European mindset turned and started looking to the west. He started looking toward possibility in a different way." — Kent Nerburn We welcome two special guests to the Thomas Jefferson Hour... | 5/9/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
113 |
Clean#1232 Listener Questions | "Jefferson embodies — in many respects, not in all of them — the world that I want to live in. I want to live in Thomas Jefferson's America." — Clay This week, we discuss listener questions about architecture, Sally Hemings, revolutionary war,... | 5/2/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
114 |
Clean#1231 Jefferson's Garden | This week, we speak with Pat Brodowski, head gardener at Jefferson’s Monticello. Pat shares her knowledge about how and why Jefferson grew the plants he did, the experimental nature of the household gardens and what is being done to maintain the... | 4/25/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
115 |
Clean#1230 Judgment | "The constitution ... is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist, and shape into any form they please." — Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 1819 Thomas Jefferson had a unique and slightly odd view of the proper place.. | 4/18/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
116 |
Clean#1229 Vice President | Jefferson 118 | 4/11/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
117 |
Clean#1228 Budgets | "Jefferson regarded the national debt as a national disgrace." This week, President Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) explains his reasoning behind his federal budget and why he felt it was essential to pay down the... | 4/4/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
118 |
Clean#1227 The Missing Book | "[Meriwether Lewis] kept promising copy and he never sent a single page. We don't know what, if anything, became of his manuscript. We have nothing. He wouldn't communicate with us." — Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson President... | 3/28/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
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Clean#1226 American Happiness | "You can't understand Jefferson without understanding slavery; you can't understand the paradox of his life and the words that he wrote in the Declaration of Independence without understanding this historical connection with Sally Hemings and with the.. | 3/21/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
120 |
Clean#1225 Liberty's First Crisis | Our conversation this week is with the scholar, Charles Slack. Slack is the author of Liberty's First Crisis: Adams, Jefferson, and the Misfits Who Saved Free Speech. His book chronicles the tumultuous early years of the United States when dissent was.. | 3/14/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
121 |
Clean#1224 Friends of the Hour | Today, listeners call us and ask questions directly to President Jefferson. The inquiries cover a broad collection of topics: Jefferson's relationship with the press, postage costs during his time, President Andrew Jackson, patents, banking,... | 3/7/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
122 |
Clean#1223 The Logan Act | President Thomas Jefferson explains the Logan Act's origin, its possible uses and its connection to Alexander Hamilton. George Logan was a Quaker, doctor, farmer and state legislator from Pennsylvania who undertook, as a private citizen and at his own.. | 2/28/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
123 |
Clean#1222 First Retirement (Part Two) | Jefferson 117 | 2/21/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
124 |
Clean#1221 The First 100 Days | Clay S. Jenkinson discusses Thomas Jefferson’s election as President in 1801, his first 100 days in office, and notes the sometimes-uncanny parallels with our time. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Learn more... | 2/17/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
125 |
Clean#1220 First Retirement (Part One) | Jefferson 116 | 2/10/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
126 |
Clean#1219 Inauguration, Then & Now | President Thomas Jefferson is asked to provide context for presidential inaugurations. Clay & David discuss our third president's inaugural address — its content & its tone — while comparing it to the address of our forty-fifth president,... | 2/3/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
127 |
Clean#1218 Two Parties | We speak with President Thomas Jefferson this week about the unexpected emergence of the two-party political system during his time. Find this episode, along with further recommended reading, on the blog. Learn more about "John Steinbeck’s... | 1/27/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
128 |
CleanThe Jefferson Watch: The Inauguration | In the first of a new series of essays, Clay draws comparisons between the inaugurations of Presidents Donald Trump and Thomas Jefferson. The full essay can also be found on the blog. "By not acknowledging the fact of the opposition—and making some... | 1/26/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
129 |
CleanThomas Jefferson's Inauguration | This bonus episode is an excerpt from #752 Inaugural, originally published in January of 2009. Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Clay S. Jenkinson, discusses his inaugural address of March 4th, 1801. You can hear the original episode in full on the... | 1/20/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
130 |
Clean#1217 Secretary of State (Part Two) | This week, we return with the 15th installment of the “Jefferson 101” series. In this second of two shows discussing Jefferson’s time as the first Secretary of State, we learn more about Jefferson’s vision of America and the strong... | 1/20/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
131 |
Clean#1216 Secretary of State (Part One) | This week, we return with the 14th installment of the “Jefferson 101” series. The program is the first of two shows discussing Jefferson’s time as the first Secretary of State. It begins with the story of Jefferson’s return from Europe and the.. | 1/13/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
132 |
Clean#1215 When in Rome | Clay S. Jenkinson, the creator of the Thomas Jefferson Hour, shares stories about his 2016 trip to Rome. Clay talks about the effect Rome had on Jefferson, despite the fact that Jefferson never visited the city. Read more on the blog, where you can... | 1/6/2017 | Free | View in iTunes |
133 |
Clean#1214 Remembering 2016 | Clay & David recall and re-listen to some of the more memorable moments on the Thomas Jefferson Hour during the past year. Find this episode, along with recommended reading, on the blog. Support the show by joining the 1776 Club or... | 12/30/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
134 |
Clean#1213 Jefferson Christmas 2016 | Attempting to move President Jefferson into the Christmas Spirit is always a challenge, and this year is no different. This year, we present excerpts from past Jefferson Hour shows discussing Jefferson’s feelings about the holiday and memories of... | 12/23/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
135 |
CleanShow 1212 Questions From Maryland | In last week’s show, we heard President Thomas Jefferson speak to an audience in Abingdon, Maryland, but many of the submitted questions were left unanswered. We attend to that this week by providing answers to the overflow of questions for... | 12/16/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
136 |
CleanShow 1211 Constitution Day in Maryland | This week's show comes from a recording made by WAMD 970 in Abingdon, Maryland for the Harford County Library Foundation. The program was recorded as part of a Constitution Day program and was hosted by Dr. William Allen. You can support the show by... | 12/8/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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CleanBecoming Jefferson's People (Excerpt) | Donate to the Thomas Jefferson Hour, Inc. and receive a gift: a signed, hardback copy of Becoming Jefferson's People — plus a three-CD audiobook read by Clay S. Jenkinson. We're giving away three copies of Becoming Jefferson's... | 12/6/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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CleanShow 1210 Optimistic Revolution | This week, special guest host Joe Lovell of Amarillo, Texas returns to speak with President Thomas Jefferson about revolution, public education and the need for true leadership. You can support the show by donating to the Thomas Jefferson Hour,... | 12/2/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
139 |
CleanShow 1209 Trial by Jury | This week special quest host Joe L. Lovell of Amarillo, Texas speaks with President Jefferson about the workings of America’s legal system and the importance of each citizens right to a fair judicial system. | 11/25/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
140 |
CleanShow 1208 We Have Voted | Prompted by requests from many Jefferson Hour listeners, this week Clay Jenkinson discusses the outcome of the 2016 election. | 11/19/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
141 |
CleanShow 1207 1800 and 2016 | This week on the Thomas Jefferson Hour, President Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) discusses the election of 1800, which he referred to as the Second American Revolution — and he helps us to see some of the... | 11/11/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
142 |
CleanSave the Republic Part Two | This week part two of a discussion of suggestions sent in by listeners in response to Clay Jenkinson’s request as to their ideas on how to improve or “save” our republic. | 11/4/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
143 |
CleanShow 1205 Save the Republic Part One | In a previous program (Show 1200 Our Republic) President Jefferson spoke about the differences between a true democracy and a republic. In the podcast introduction Clay Jenkinson asked TJH listeners what their suggestions would be to improve or... | 10/28/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
144 |
CleanShow 1204 The Minimum | In a previous show (Jefferson 113), Clay asked listeners to write in with their thoughts and personal experiences about living on minimum wages. During this show he shares and discusses the responses received. | 10/21/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
145 |
CleanShow 1203 Franklin’s Visit | In this week’s show President Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) is joined in conversation by Benjamin Franklin (as portrayed by GregRobin Smith). | 10/14/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
146 |
CleanShow 1202 Income Inequality (Live in Fargo) | Bill Thomas of Prairie Public Radio is this week’s host of a live performance of the Thomas Jefferson Hour in Fargo North Dakota. Bill speaks to President Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) about income inequality. | 10/3/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
147 |
CleanShow 1201 Religion (Live in Fargo) | Bill Thomas of Prairie Public Radio is this week’s host of a live performance of the Thomas Jefferson Hour in Fargo North Dakota. The subject Bill chose to speak with President Jefferson about (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson)... | 9/30/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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CleanShow 1200 Our Republic | In this week’s show President Jefferson is asked to discuss the differences between a democracy and a republic. Clay asks listeners to send in a list of 5 things America could to do to become more of a republic again. Learn more on the blog. | 9/23/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
149 |
CleanShow 1199 America First | This week President Jefferson shares his positions about immigration, isolationism, nationalism and when it’s appropriate to keep America first. | 9/17/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
150 |
CleanShow 1198 Winners and Losers | This week President Jefferson answers listener mail including questions about civil disobedience, the dark side of Jefferson, political correctness and how the majority rules over the minority in our democracy. | 9/9/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
151 |
CleanShow 1197 Load the Pipes | This week in an out of character program, Thomas Jefferson Hour creator Clay S. Jenkinson discusses the protests occurring at the Standing Rock Reservation in in North Dakota over the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. | 9/2/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
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CleanShow 1196 Jefferson 113 | This week Thomas Jefferson Hour creator Clay S. Jenkinson returns to the "Jefferson 101" biographical series with the final of three shows devoted to Jefferson's time in Paris from 1784 to 1789. | 8/26/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
153 |
CleanShow 1195 Jefferson 112 | This week Thomas Jefferson Hour creator Clay S. Jenkinson returns to the "Jefferson 101" biographical series with the second of three shows devoted to Jefferson's time in Paris from 1784 to 1789. | 8/19/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
154 |
CleanShow 1194 Jefferson 111 | This week Thomas Jefferson Hour creator Clay S. Jenkinson returns to the "Jefferson 101" biographical series with the first of three shows devoted to Jefferson's time in Paris from 1784 to 1789. | 8/12/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
155 |
CleanShow 1193 What They Said | This week President Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by humanities scholar Clay S. Jenkinson) is presented with excerpts of speeches given at both Republican and Democratic conventions and asked to share his thoughts. | 8/6/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
156 |
CleanShow 1192 Catherine and the Classics | Clay Jenkinson is joined by his daughter Catherine to discuss their recent trip to Greece, her plans to study the classics and, of course, Thomas Jefferson. | 7/29/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
157 |
Clean#1191 A Bleak Moment | As Clay says, “This is a tough one.” This week in a special out-of-character program, Clay discusses the recent episodes of violence occurring in America, and how Thomas Jefferson may have reacted to it. Find this episode on the blog. Thomas... | 7/23/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
158 |
Clean#1190 Jefferson's Daughters | This week, a very special guest host — one who is quite qualified to speak with President Thomas Jefferson about his daughters and how he regarded them. We are pleased to welcome this week's host, Catherine Jenkinson. Find this episode on the... | 7/15/2016 | Free | View in iTunes |
158 Items |
Customer Reviews
A Breath of Fresh Air
Mr. Jenkinson as Thomas Jefferson allows listeners to get past the limited amount of information the American public has on this founding father. In addition to this, his knowledge and insight into the minds of many (if not all) of the founding fathers allows readers to connect with the way American Republic was meant to be through Mr. Jefferson's eyes. Mr. Jekinson is a breath of fresh air to Podcasts and Public Radio alike; whos "Thomas Jefferson Hour" is truly one of the hidden treasures for it's large following.
Don't drop what your doing, listen and learn while you work!
I think my U.S. history IQ went up about 3 points after listening to this engaging and highly entertaining blast from the past. Clay Jenkins' in depth knowledge of every facet of Jeffersons' persona comes out in these interviews with Jeffersons' charactar.
An Excellent Exercise of the Mind
Mr. Jenkinson readily admits that he is interpreting Jefferson, but it is not as though he is a novice in Jeffersonian philosophy after twenty years of studying him and memorizing his writings. I have listened to every episode available on iTunes, and I can honestly say I am a better man, a better American for it. No, I do not always agree with what is said. Sometimes I disagree with President Jefferson; more frequently, I disagree with Mr. Jenkinson's world-view as he presents it after the President has his turn. It is very telling when Mr. Jenkinson strongly disagrees with Jefferson. It tells us that he is doing his best to present Jefferson as openly and honestly as he is able, even when what Jefferson has to say is rather distasteful in our modern world. Why do we think we have to agree with everything that is said in order to benefit from a program? Mr. Jenkinson's personal views at the end of the show tend to be slightly leftist (whether he admits it or not), but it is usually not so extreme that we should dismiss it out-of-hand. Despite his distorted view of what conservatives are, he equally condemns the behavior of people he calls "Bush-Bashers." He tries to be thoughtful about his positions, and that is respectable. Regarding The Thomas Jefferson Hour (30 minutes), a person who will engage himself in the intellectual exercise of considering the content of this show cannot help but improve his mind. I highly recomend approaching this show with a discerning mind, but highly recommend the show, nonetheless.
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